ATLANTA - Thousands of people pay tribute to Atlanta-based rap artist Shawty Lo, after he was killed in a crash early Wednesday morning.

Word of his death spread quickly, including on the rapper's Twitter account.

Police said the crash happened on the exit ramp from Interstate 285 southbound to Cascade Road. Officers told FOX 5 the driver of a white 2016 Audi lost control just before 2:30 a.m. Police said the Audi went over a guardrail, struck a tree and landed in a deep embankment, causing the vehicle to catch fire.

According to the rapper's Instagram page, he visited the Blue Flame Lounge shortly before the accident happened.

Police said no other vehicles were involved in the accident. The crash remains under investigation.

Following the tragic wreck, FOX 5's Portia Bruner spoke exclusively with five of Shawty Lo's 11 children. His daughters said their father taught them valuable lessons about success and working hard to overcome life struggles.

“He always taught us to never quit on our dreams and to always make sure we go to school, finish high school, go to college, and make sure you focus on anything you want to achieve in life," said 23-year-old daughter Brittney Pippins. "I will never forget the look on his face when I graduated from high school, because he never did.”

Shawty Lo's daughters told FOX 5 the rapper died just one week after his own father's funeral last Saturday.

Wednesday night, thousands packed the streets of Atlanta outside ORG recording studio on Bankhead Highway, to pay tribute to the well-known rapper on Atlanta's West Side. Community members said, despite the rapper's success, he was an active community member and mentored youth who aspired to become musicians.

"He's a leader of our community," said friend and musician Front Street.